In-cab gear storage

[nuclear_runner]

Okay, this sounds like the simplest thing, but I'm struggling with it. Let me start off by saying I have ADHD inattentive type and I tend to set things places without realizing it and make a right mess out of well organized gear. Even on short trips my truck turns from well organize to gear shitshow. To make matters worse, I find messes stressful and continually put off organizing it. Plus, this isn't really the sexy side of overlanding so it rarely makes it into media/articles.

Bins and crates are great for storing a bunch of stuff from moving to point it from point A to point B, but they're terrible for randomly accessing items. Time to go run? All my running stuff is at the bottom of my clothing bin, and of course my friend is ready to go so I'm just pulling stuff furiously out of the bin and dumping it all over my truck.

The other problem with bins is they jiggle around like crazy on gravel and trails. I've tried tying them down and such with mixed success. I could live with this, if I had to.

I have seen a bunch of great builds with drawers and pull outs but all that stuff is heavy. I would like to find an effective, minimal storage solution.

So: show me your storage solutions and tell me what works for you!

 

[mmssierra]

I have found it difficult to stay organized on multiple day trips. My current method for my 4Runner is to have two coolers in my back seat. One for cold stuff and one for dry goods. Then in the very back I use multiple Rubbermaid containers that are labeled. The key for me was to not completely fill up the container so that I could easily see and find what I need. The attached picture is with two people's stuff for a five day trip to the Silverton, Colorado area so it is much fully than normal. But, hopefully it gives a little bit of an idea.

When I take my Tacoma, I pack similarly. I have the coolers in the back seat and my Rubbermaid containers in the bed. I use a cargo bar to help keep the containers from sliding around. And, depending on the amount of gear I have I may also bungee a couple of the Rubbermaid containers.

Hopefully this helps a little bit.

 

[Road]

Okay, this sounds like the simplest thing, but I'm struggling with it. Let me start off by saying I have ADHD inattentive type and I tend to set things places without realizing it and make a right mess out of well organized gear. Even on short trips my truck turns from well organize to gear shitshow. To make matters worse, I find messes stressful and continually put off organizing it. Plus, this isn't really the sexy side of overlanding so it rarely makes it into media/articles.

Bins and crates are great for storing a bunch of stuff from moving to point it from point A to point B, but they're terrible for randomly accessing items. Time to go run? All my running stuff is at the bottom of my clothing bin, and of course my friend is ready to go so I'm just pulling stuff furiously out of the bin and dumping it all over my truck.

The other problem with bins is they jiggle around like crazy on gravel and trails. I've tried tying them down and such with mixed success. I could live with this, if I had to.

I have seen a bunch of great builds with drawers and pull outs but all that stuff is heavy. I would like to find an effective, minimal storage solution.

So: show me your storage solutions and tell me what works for you!

.
Might seem a simple thing to many, but the struggle is real. Organization and ease of accessing gear when you want it can make or break an adventure.

What I've gravitated to over time is smaller containers of similar or same size with removable labels. Whether in the nose box or cargo area of my trailer, or in my van, they help me greatly in being efficient in my organization.

In this image are Front Runner Outfitter Cub Packs and Flat Packs:


FRO Cub Packs and Flat Packs

The Cub Packs are 17.4" x 12.4" x 8.3" tall, stack very nicely, are weatherproof, and have straight sides, which saves space. Easy to strap down whether on a rack or inside.
The Flat Packs, which can fold flat when not in use, are 17.1" x 12.2" x 7.9" tall and fit inside--if you want--the larger FRO Wolf Packs, of which I have four, too.
They make randomly accessing items much easier for me. I keep kitchen gear, food, backpacking and bush craft stuff, electrical, hammocks, just all sorts of stuff segregated and organized this way.
...

Adhesive label pockets with removable labels, which I update periodically to accurately describe contents.

For clothing, I like keeping it separate from other gear in a duffle. I like my REI Big Haul 60, which I often live out of when in a house or hotel/motel, too. I also have a smaller version I keep electronics, cords, and batteries and chargers in. You can see them to the left in this image:


..
Also in the above image, hanging on the left, are three BROG 12x12 packing cubes, which I use for a variety of things I might want quicker access to. Rugged, large pull tabs for zippers, they're pretty handy.
Under the bed are containers like described above.

I also really like smaller packing cube systems like those from Overland Adventurer: Kit Kubes. Popular with motorcyclists for organization, I have several for packing everything from cords to socks inside larger duffles or containers. I can just pull what I want from my clothing duffle without removing the whole contents. They really help keep things organized and I like that they are sized to nest together well in a variety of configurations.:


..

I could go on.

I think a large part of it will be finding what works best for you and minimizes your frustration. I'll bet you have other techniques for dealing with ADHD and being productive. Those techniques may be helpful in being organized in effective ways for adventuring.

One huge thing for me is to have learned to not scatter stuff and to PUT STUFF BACK where I pulled it from. Not later, but right after I drag it out of somewhere. Though, if I find, for example, I keep putting my hatchet inside the rear doors after using it, I make a place for it there. Then it's right where I expect it to be.

Your gear will tell you where it wants to live, if you listen.

Good luck; I have faith you will find a system that works best for you.
.

 

[mmssierra]

I found an older picture of my packed Tacoma bed. This was prior to me adding two more smaller Rubbermaid containers and I usually do not have the taller bin with the green lid. It works for me and is somewhat organized. The Rubbermaid containers so far have kept out both dirt and water.

 

[mmssierra]

I wanted to add more in-cab loading. I pack my 4Runner and Tacoma the same inside (front and back seats). I also pack the same almost every trip.

If I am by myself in the front seat I usually have paper maps, a radio, tablet, and a water bottle. In the floor board I usually have a battery jumper and a tire pressure gauge. And, maybe a jacket depending on the weather.

Each door has two cup holders and I put two bottles of water in each door.

In the floor board behind the front passenger seat I put my tool bag (the red, white, and blue bag) and my recovery tool bag (black bag). In the floor board behind the driver's seat I put my SafeJack equipment bag and my air compressor. I also usually have a backpack, a small duffle type bag with a change of clothes, Coleman water jug or two, jackets, fire extinguisher, and two big coolers.

The handles on one of my coolers rattle badly so I usually bungee them.

Between the coolers and front seats there is also room for a sleeping bag, tent, and camp chair. Although, in the 4Runner I usually put these in the back.

Inside the tool bag I have three tool rolls, some other parts and tools, gloves and rags. The tool rolls, gloves, and rags all help keep everything from rattling.

I have been using this setup for a few years and seems to work well for easy access, organization, and limits the rattles.

 

[grubworm]

the wife got a new purse, so i just let her keep it up front with us to hold the little extras....

 

[LostWoods]

I also really like smaller packing cube systems like those from Overland Adventurer: Kit Kubes. Popular with motorcyclists for organization, I have several for packing everything from cords to socks inside larger duffles or containers. I can just pull what I want from my clothing duffle without removing the whole contents. They really help keep things organized and I like that they are sized to nest together well in a variety of configurations.:

View attachment 200582

Thanks for this... Aerostitch makes some high quality stuff and I've been looking for good cubes to organize since I pack my full kit into a single pelican now.

 

[rho]

Oh those kit kubes are awesome, Saving that link...

 

[Road]

the wife got a new purse, so i just let her keep it up front with us to hold the little extras....


View attachment 200674

.
All these years of adventuring, and finally learn all I need is a wife with a BAP.
.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I keep saying that I want as little in the cab as possible, but "mission creep" sets in and before I know it, I want everything at my fingertips. Obviously on the highway its dangerous to have too much unsecured stuff in the cab, as it can fly around and injure passengers in an accident.

This last trip I pulled everything - EVERYTHING - out of the cab, and then returned only the necessary items. And even those had to have a place in one of the two glove compartments, the center console, or the under-console lockable storage. The few stragglers were things like water bottles, cell phones and chargers.

But you can be sure by the time I made it halfway across the country, an errant flashlight made it's way into the door pocket. Then a spare plyers. An FRS radio, Lady Beagle's pocketbook, etc.

For the bed of the truck, I built a platform and used plastic bins with little wheels. I kept them quiet by stuffing a folded space blanket between the bin and the side wall.

 

[Road]

Thanks for this... Aerostitch makes some high quality stuff and I've been looking for good cubes to organize since I pack my full kit into a single pelican now.

Oh those kit kubes are awesome, Saving that link...

.
@LostWoods , @rho - I don't know that Aerostitch actually makes these, though they might now that Kit Kube seems to have changed hands (see EDIT at bottom). I used to get them from GoWesty.com for a decent price but they don't list them now.

KitKubes have a 13x13 cube I bought more of (see image below), that are similar to the BROG containers I showed above, though with a clearer vinyl front, so better for grab-n-go from a duffle or drawer. Overall not as rugged as the BROG bags with the threaded vinyl fronts, though way durable enough for the clothing, cords and batteries, etc that I use them for.

I've used mesh-sided cubes before, like those marketed to suitcases-on-airline travelers, but like the solid cordura & PVC Kit Kubes and BROG bags much more for keeping dust, dirt, and moisture at bay.

I suspect as things sort out after the great marketing shakedown that Covid has created, Overland Adventure may find it's way to other outlets, if it survives. I hope so; I appreciate his product.


...

Good rugged zippers and vinyl front.

I haven't had a zipper stick, seam go bad, or vinyl age and crack yet.

==== EDIT====:
Evidently Overland Adventurer Designs (Dave Thum, who designed Kit Kubes), has changed hands.
His original site, overland-adventurer.com is Server Not Found.
What appears to be their new site, overlandadventurer.myshopify.com has a message from Dave that says "Kit Kube ownership has changed. The new owner will contact existing customers when product is available again. Thank you for your patronage and all the best on your adventures. Dave Thum"

So, no idea if Aerostitch actually has stock or not. I know KitKube is unavailable on amzn, though the page there does give a great description of the features and specs.

If anyone gets some through Aerostitch, let us know.

.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Sun visors and OEM storage can be limited. I have a flat platform over my rear seats and use a 56qt tote. A molle seat back organizer holds a lot of stuff. I just put a molle seat back organizer on the front of the pass seat (I'm always solo) holds all the stuff you edc, extra water bottles, wallet, phone, instead of it laying on the seat and sliding around. If you need the seat for a pass, it's takes 30 seconds to move it the the back side.

 

[MegaBug]

Not sure if your vehicle would benefit similarly but this little add-on is something Toyota should have included in all 5th gen 4Runners. The centre console bin is cavernous in these vehicles and useful storage space can be gained from a top shelf. I keep my tire gauge, small deflators, park passes, tissues , etc .... small things you want to keep really handy. There are many available but here is the one I got.

 

[MMc]

I don't think the issue is the bin/storage problem, it's putting stuff away and keeping it organized. All the containers are not going to keep your kit straight, YOU ARE. If you want to stay organized you take a moment to put it away where it belongs, when you pull stuff out, take a minute to put the stuff back right, not just closing the lid or zipping the bag closed. I have a rule, if something takes more than 2 mins to find, I need to take a couple mins. to put stuff back where it belongs. It is easier to do in small bits not a overwhelming shit storm.

I use a many different boxes and bags. I chose them by what they are going to be used for. Hard stuff goes mostly goes down first and soft bags on top. First used is loaded last.

Okay, this sounds like the simplest thing, but I'm struggling with it. Let me start off by saying I have ADHD inattentive type and I tend to set things places without realizing it and make a right mess out of well organized gear. Even on short trips my truck turns from well organize to gear shitshow. To make matters worse, I find messes stressful and continually put off organizing it. Plus, this isn't really the sexy side of overlanding so it rarely makes it into media/articles.

Bins and crates are great for storing a bunch of stuff from moving to point it from point A to point B, but they're terrible for randomly accessing items. Time to go run? All my running stuff is at the bottom of my clothing bin, and of course my friend is ready to go so I'm just pulling stuff furiously out of the bin and dumping it all over my truck.

The other problem with bins is they jiggle around like crazy on gravel and trails. I've tried tying them down and such with mixed success. I could live with this, if I had to.

I have seen a bunch of great builds with drawers and pull outs but all that stuff is heavy. I would like to find an effective, minimal storage solution.

So: show me your storage solutions and tell me what works for you!

 

[nuclear_runner]

Thanks to all who replied, there's a lot of great info in this thread! I have been busy with some other stuff that was on a tight deadline so getting back to this a bit late, sorry. Loved looking at everybodies setups.

Just so people get an idea, this is sort of the level of 'stuff' I'm talking about:

.
Might seem a simple thing to many, but the struggle is real. Organization and ease of accessing gear when you want it can make or break an adventure.

What I've gravitated to over time is smaller containers of similar or same size with removable labels. Whether in the nose box or cargo area of my trailer, or in my van, they help me greatly in being efficient in my organization.

In this image are Front Runner Outfitter Cub Packs and Flat Packs:

View attachment 200578
FRO Cub Packs and Flat Packs

The Cub Packs are 17.4" x 12.4" x 8.3" tall, stack very nicely, are weatherproof, and have straight sides, which saves space. Easy to strap down whether on a rack or inside.
The Flat Packs, which can fold flat when not in use, are 17.1" x 12.2" x 7.9" tall and fit inside--if you want--the larger FRO Wolf Packs, of which I have four, too.
They make randomly accessing items much easier for me. I keep kitchen gear, food, backpacking and bush craft stuff, electrical, hammocks, just all sorts of stuff segregated and organized this way.
...
View attachment 200580
Adhesive label pockets with removable labels, which I update periodically to accurately describe contents.

For clothing, I like keeping it separate from other gear in a duffle. I like my REI Big Haul 60, which I often live out of when in a house or hotel/motel, too. I also have a smaller version I keep electronics, cords, and batteries and chargers in. You can see them to the left in this image:

View attachment 200581
..
Also in the above image, hanging on the left, are three BROG 12x12 packing cubes, which I use for a variety of things I might want quicker access to. Rugged, large pull tabs for zippers, they're pretty handy.
Under the bed are containers like described above.

I also really like smaller packing cube systems like those from Overland Adventurer: Kit Kubes. Popular with motorcyclists for organization, I have several for packing everything from cords to socks inside larger duffles or containers. I can just pull what I want from my clothing duffle without removing the whole contents. They really help keep things organized and I like that they are sized to nest together well in a variety of configurations.:

View attachment 200582
..

I could go on.

I think a large part of it will be finding what works best for you and minimizes your frustration. I'll bet you have other techniques for dealing with ADHD and being productive. Those techniques may be helpful in being organized in effective ways for adventuring.

One huge thing for me is to have learned to not scatter stuff and to PUT STUFF BACK where I pulled it from. Not later, but right after I drag it out of somewhere. Though, if I find, for example, I keep putting my hatchet inside the rear doors after using it, I make a place for it there. Then it's right where I expect it to be.

Your gear will tell you where it wants to live, if you listen.

Good luck; I have faith you will find a system that works best for you.
.

Basically I think this is the solution: some sort of labeled cube storage so I can easy pull stuff out of bins and quickly put it back without ruining everything. You're right about the coping mechanisms but a lot of it relies on basically training myself to put things into specific places such that I mindlessly put things into the proper place. I also like the idea of having a cube for each 'activity' like 1 entire running outfit, 'stove' and 'spices' and then organize the cubes into bins etc in some logical way. Going to look at some options and order some! For your Cub Packs and Flat Packs, are they all in a pelican case?

I don't think the issue is the bin/storage problem, it's putting stuff away and keeping it organized. All the containers are not going to keep your kit straight, YOU ARE. If you want to stay organized you take a moment to put it away where it belongs, when you pull stuff out, take a minute to put the stuff back right, not just closing the lid or zipping the bag closed. I have a rule, if something takes more than 2 mins to find, I need to take a couple mins. to put stuff back where it belongs. It is easier to do in small bits not a overwhelming shit storm.

I use a many different boxes and bags. I chose them by what they are going to be used for. Hard stuff goes mostly goes down first and soft bags on top. First used is loaded last.

While TECHNICALLY you are correct, having a good organization system can help manage my neurological condition and reduce the stress. I've been here enough times to know that I just won't do it, which is why I've started trying to get a bit more help with organization. Sometimes an outside perspective can help a ton (and I think it has, here).

 

[Road]

Thanks to all who replied, there's a lot of great info in this thread! I have been busy with some other stuff that was on a tight deadline so getting back to this a bit late, sorry. Loved looking at everybodies setups.

Basically I think this is the solution: some sort of labeled cube storage so I can easy pull stuff out of bins and quickly put it back without ruining everything. You're right about the coping mechanisms but a lot of it relies on basically training myself to put things into specific places such that I mindlessly put things into the proper place. I also like the idea of having a cube for each 'activity' like 1 entire running outfit, 'stove' and 'spices' and then organize the cubes into bins etc in some logical way. Going to look at some options and order some! For your Cub Packs and Flat Packs, are they all in a pelican case?
.

.
No, sorry, that's a pic from above of the Cub Packs and Flat Packs on end in the nose box of my trailer; a very handy place to keep gear such as labeled in the image. There's no reason to put hard cases inside other cases like a Pelican, really, and it would have to be rather large and awkward to hold that many.

Others I keep in the van or cargo area of the trailer, where I can stack them two high.

I like having my gear in regular places, though that changes a bit every year, sometimes every adventure. That includes not only clothing and smaller stuff but containers and cases themselves. When they each have a specific place, it's much easier for me--and I suspect you--to put it back there and to keep it that way. At least until a flaw emerges in the packing scheme, at which time I adjust. Having similarly sized containers, cubs, cases, even packed chairs, makes packing in an organized way much easier.

This is a past packing scheme for the trailer; the beginning of what I call my lane system. Both side lanes can be easily accessed from the trailer sides without having to unpack other stuff. At the rear of the three lanes are items that are packed last because they are usually used first, or most often, when both traveling and camping.



I become so practiced with my gear, packing, and overall set up I can walk around and find specific items in complete darkness. I get a kick, actually, of being able to open my tailgate or van's rear doors, and retrieve something like that black 5gal water jug in the middle without a headlamp on a moonless night, and be able to slide it right back in place when done without fumbling. Or open a door and know if I reach inside and up to the right will be a carabiner full of headlamps. Or where a clean pair of socks is in the dark when I'm stealth camping.

That's when I know my rig and my gear. It allows you so much more time to enjoy why we're out there in the first place and not spend time searching for stuff or cleaning up messes.

If you're going to label things, you can get clear adhesive pockets like these, that are pretty much business card sized, to use:



Then you can make simple card stock inserts on which to list contents. Then modify or replace the card list as needed as you find better ways to organize or fit the way you like your stuff stored.

Sometimes when camping I'll just take an afternoon and pull everything out of the nosebox, or van, or trailer, and re-organize the contents of my containers and the way I pack my containers for better efficiency. That also shows me what I'm not using at all so can stay home next time. No better time to do that than when you're actually out using it. I never remember to when home somewhere.

On the smaller scale like the Kit Kubes, being able to pack several within another container or duffle would work well. They're great to put on end, so your not unpacking a layer to get to what's underneath.

Watch this to understand more about efficient cube packing:


He has a couple other vids there too that explain more about materials and dimensions.

I hope you get to try different things and find a good, workable, way that helps you stay organized.

.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Thanks to all who replied, there's a lot of great info in this thread! I have been busy with some other stuff that was on a tight deadline so getting back to this a bit late, sorry. Loved looking at everybodies setups.

Just so people get an idea, this is sort of the level of 'stuff' I'm talking about:
View attachment 201048



Basically I think this is the solution: some sort of labeled cube storage so I can easy pull stuff out of bins and quickly put it back without ruining everything. You're right about the coping mechanisms but a lot of it relies on basically training myself to put things into specific places such that I mindlessly put things into the proper place. I also like the idea of having a cube for each 'activity' like 1 entire running outfit, 'stove' and 'spices' and then organize the cubes into bins etc in some logical way. Going to look at some options and order some! For your Cub Packs and Flat Packs, are they all in a pelican case?



While TECHNICALLY you are correct, having a good organization system can help manage my neurological condition and reduce the stress. I've been here enough times to know that I just won't do it, which is why I've started trying to get a bit more help with organization. Sometimes an outside perspective can help a ton (and I think it has, here).

I have a partial solution for you. Go watch some 50mph crash test videos and see how fast a coffee can will come out of a bin in the back seat and crack a melon in the front seat. Or the whole bin, for that matter. Even the soft stuff can get in the way of your vision in the event of a spin out.

I have seen crashes where cute chubby grandmas have mashed down the (occupied!) front seat and exit the front windshield or the front side window. It didnt end well.

What I am saying again is: anything not lashed down in the cabin will hurt you in a crash. You dont have to be the one that's at fault for your kipple to cripple you. For the love of all that is holy, keep the cabin for people, and the bed of the truck for gear. I'm not on a high horse or anything. We all stack it up, even in the cab. I try not to. You should too.

That would be a good start to keeping your stuff organized because your cab will always be free of unnecessary gear and cargo. To me, if I have to get out of the truck to use the particular item, then it probably belongs in the back anyway.

Just my 2 cents worth. Best of luck. It is a constant adjustment

 

[nuclear_runner]

I have a partial solution for you. Go watch some 50mph crash test videos and see how fast a coffee can will come out of a bin in the back seat and crack a melon in the front seat. Or the whole bin, for that matter. Even the soft stuff can get in the way of your vision in the event of a spin out.

I have seen crashes where cute chubby grandmas have mashed down the (occupied!) front seat and exit the front windshield or the front side window. It didnt end well.

What I am saying again is: anything not lashed down in the cabin will hurt you in a crash. You dont have to be the one that's at fault for your kipple to cripple you. For the love of all that is holy, keep the cabin for people, and the bed of the truck for gear. I'm not on a high horse or anything. We all stack it up, even in the cab. I try not to. You should too.

That would be a good start to keeping your stuff organized because your cab will always be free of unnecessary gear and cargo. To me, if I have to get out of the truck to use the particular item, then it probably belongs in the back anyway.

Just my 2 cents worth. Best of luck. It is a constant adjustment

Not obvious in the picture, but I have a small ratchet strap that goes around the front of the gear to prevent it from sliding forward. Found this video whis is in German but you don't need to understand it to see what's going on: I think it'd be very difficult for something to fly out of the top of the bin, but I might put a second strap over the top as well. I've also moved all the 'loose' bedding items into my GearPod XL. I will grab a better shot next time. Another fun video (this time in english) that makes your point about loose items in the cab:

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Now and then stuff creeps into my cab and I have to do a purge. It sucks, because I always want everything "right where I can get at it"

 

[roots66]

Before I installed the tonneau cover, everything gear/recovery/safety/repair-wise went in bed tool box. Now, I have to improvise. I found a local place that makes salad dressing and they give away all their 30lb mayo buckets/lids for free. I use them for nearly everything else, so I thought why not this too? Turns out I can divide all my stuff into individual containers and store them on the floor behind the front seats. Since the rear seat backs fold down to make a flat platform (vice the seat bottoms folding up), 4 containers fit very snugly in the space and I still have room for things like coolers, coats. snacks, etc.